Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- More than 15 million surge protectors are being recalled for posing a potential fire hazard , the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the manufacturer announced Thursday .

Seven hundred instances of APC SurgeArrest devices overheating or melting have been reported , according to a press release from the safety commission . Thirteen people were hurt and 55 claims were made for damage caused by smoke and fire .

The recall includes corded surge protectors manufactured before 2003 by Schneider Electric IT Corporation .

`` The affected products may present a fire hazard under infrequent , abnormal building wiring and electrical conditions , '' the company said . `` This hazard has been reported in a small percentage -LRB- less than 0.01 % -RRB- of the units sold and included reports of property damage , mostly involving damaged nylon carpeting . ''

Thirty-two model numbers of the company 's `` 7 series '' and `` 8 series '' devices are included in the recall and can be found on the company 's website , recall.apc.com , or by calling 888 437 4007

The safety commission urges the public to stop using the surge protectors , and to contact the company for a replacement .

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The surge protectors were manufactured by Schneider Electric IT Corporation prior to 2003